ABSTRACT
Patterns of kinship behaviour among Lingayats of Kalyan can be discerned by examining their day to day interactions with, and attitudes toward, their kin. The effects of the range of kin recognition on behaviour of kin can be observed. In the Lingayat kinship system the exchange of services between members of different closely related households in the city and outside is most important. Names indicate ingroup feelings, group consciousness as well as pride and solidarity of family and kingroup. It is evident from the foregoing analysis that Lingayat tradition weighs heavily in favour of naming children after their ancestors, thereby manifesting a kin-oriented culture. Observance of ancestor worship is one of the main functions of the family and the practice implies the belief that the ancestors are endowed with supernatural powers and continue to live and participate in life activities of the worshippers.
